English mechanic Darren, 43, from Exmouth was there with his daughters Elouise, nine, and Daisy, seven, and said: "I was in the queue at the start. If you don't reserve a place you don't get a place. There are not enough to go around."

What's more, he reportedly told the newspaper that he always found Germans polite and friendly — not the sort to block the sun loungers with their towels.

And 55-year-old Linda was photographed turning up with seven beach towels which she said were for her extended family. Her daughter-in-law Eve, 28, who turned up a short while later said: "If we want to sit together it's the only way to make sure we get a place."

However, what these incredibly tactical holidaymakers may not have realised is that reserving a lounger with your towel has no legal weight.

According to German lawyer Ralf Höcker, who has an interest in everyday arguments like these, there's nothing stopping you from claiming a non-rented lounger for yourself if it's unattended — but warns not to do anything "undiplomatic" with any towels you might move.